RARE Antique Victorian Renaissance Revival Lead Lion Fountain Spout Finial Sculpture

Subject & Medium

A fine example of British Victorian Renaissance Revival design, this antique lion head finial is hand-cast in solid lead, a traditional medium prized for its strength, resilience, and noble patina (c.1890).

Designed as a fountain spout, water once flowed from the lion’s mouth, uniting artistry with utility. Exceptionally heavy for its scale at 13.5kg.

The lion—long emblematic of power, vigilance, and sovereignty—was a central motif of both the Italian Renaissance and its 19th-century revival, where grandeur was reinterpreted for stately homes and gardens.

Composition & Technique

This piece embodies the dynamic ornamentation of the Renaissance Revival, inspired by 15th–16th century Italian design but reimagined for Victorian aesthetics.

• The mane radiates in rhythmic, flame-like locks, lending motion reminiscent of grotesques and mascarons.

• The brow and eyes are modeled with striking depth, casting dramatic shadows and imbuing the mask with architectural weight.

• The projecting muzzle and open mouth frame the central spout aperture, once animated by flowing water.

• Muscular ridges around the mouth reinforce ideals of strength and vitality.

Balancing naturalistic detail with stylized form, the lion’s head bridges sculpture and ornament, harmonizing with both garden and architectural settings.

About the Renaissance Revival

In mid-to-late 19th-century Britain, architects and designers revived the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance, adapting classical ornament for modern settings.

Lions, masks, and bold scrollwork became popular motifs for fountains, facades, and gardens. This sculpture reflects that spirit: a union of symbolic power and Victorian craftsmanship, conferring dignity, drama, and continuity with the classical past.

Dimensions

• Height: 35 cm

• Width: 28 cm

• Depth: 13 cm

A versatile size, equally suited as a garden focal point, mounted wall ornament, or interior display with historical resonance.

Provenance

Acquired from a private Shire estate garden in the United Kingdom, underscoring its authenticity as a genuine 19th-century architectural antique.

Now curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

Why You’ll Love It

• Authentic product of the Victorian Renaissance Revival movement

• Striking contours with symbolic and artistic depth

• Solid cast lead: enduring, weather-resistant, richly patinated

• Distinguished provenance with collectible value

• Functional heritage object adaptable for restoration or display

This is more than decoration — a conversation piece and sculptural link to England’s 19th-century engagement with Renaissance grandeur.

Condition Report

• Rich, naturally weathered patina

• Wear, scuffs, and staining consistent with age

• Small dents, irregularities, and minor casting losses

• Chip to the brow; slight warping at mane base

All wear remains consistent with exposure to the elements across generations, enhancing authenticity and character.

Shipping

Worldwide Shipping Available — Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.

Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD — Inquire now to secure this unique piece.